Wednesday, 3 January 2018

Halal Certified Food Is Not Only Enjoyed By Muslims

By Sarah Gibson


Islam is an extremely comprehensive religion that has a definite impact on all the aspects of the daily lives of Muslims. Islamic Law is especially strict about the manufacture, preparation and consumption of foodstuffs. This is because foodstuffs play an important role in the lives of Muslims. What one eats not only nourishes the physical body, but also has an influence on the spiritual and moral character. That is why Muslims generally only buy or eat halal certified food.

Halaal certification, in essence, simply means that a manufacturer, retailer or restaurant has proven that they comply with all the rules stipulated by the Halaal Council. Such a council exists in almost every country where many Muslims reside. It is not easy to obtain certification and the application process can be protracted. Once it is obtained, it must be renewed every year. Certification can be withdrawn if the rules are breached.

There are some foodstuffs that are forbidden outright if it contains certain ingredients. No Muslim may ever consume anything that contains alcohol. This ban includes medication. Extracts and derivatives used in the manufacturing or preparation of foodstuffs may only originate from a halaal certified abattoir. The monitoring of all the processes in these abattoirs is comprehensive and often complex. Pork in any form is also strictly forbidden.

It is not only the ingredients and products that are used that play a role in obtaining halaal certification. The entire process whereby foodstuffs and meals are prepared is also carefully evaluated. Halaal certification involves the use of utensils and containers that have not been used for preparing non halaal products. It is even required to exclusively use separate cleaning and drying equipment.

It is not true that only Muslims may be involved in the manufacturing or preparation of halaal foods. Neither is it true that halaal certification can only be attained by businesses that caters exclusively for Muslims. Any business can apply for certification and as long as the many conditions are met, certification will be issued. However, Islam authorities strongly recommend that at least two Muslims are involved in the preparation of foodstuffs.

Halaal certified products and meals are not just popular with Muslims. Many other people prefer these products and meals. Halaal meals are known for being prepared under very strictly monitored conditions and the highest standards of hygiene are observed at all times. There is also the fact that only the highest quality ingredients are used. In addition, many people firmly believe that halaal meals are more flavourful and tasty than meals from other cultures and sources.

Obtaining halaal certification is a complex process and applicants must go to some lengths to comply with all the rules. Sadly, there are some manufacturers and restaurants that claim to be halaal friendly or halaal compliant, but that do not boast official certification. Consumers should make sure that a product is indeed officially approved. It is also easy to check the certification of a restaurant on the internet.

In general, Muslims lead very disciplined lives. They have many rules to follow but they do so gladly because they want to be obedient to the Islamic Law. Halaal certification is there to help them make sure that they obey all the rules related to what they consume.




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